48+ Years Handling Probate Cases

Probate & Estate Attorney

Losing a loved one is hard enough without legal complications. Attorney Richard Silvas helps families navigate probate, resolve inheritance disputes, and protect their rights throughout the estate process.

Common Disputes That Require Legal Help

Inheritance and estate matters can create conflict even in close families. These are the situations where experienced legal counsel makes a real difference.

Will & Trust Interpretation

Disagreements over the meaning of specific provisions in a will or trust can stall the entire estate process. We help clarify ambiguous language and enforce the document's intent.

Asset Distribution Conflicts

When family members disagree about how assets should be divided, emotions run high. We represent beneficiaries and heirs to ensure fair and lawful distribution.

Challenges to Validity

If you believe a will or trust was improperly executed, forged, or created when the person lacked capacity, we can challenge its validity in court.

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Undue Influence & Fraud

Claims that someone manipulated or deceived the deceased into changing their estate plan require thorough investigation and strong legal advocacy.

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Estate Management Disputes

When an executor or trustee mismanages assets, fails to account for funds, or acts in their own interest, beneficiaries have legal recourse.

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Trust Administration Issues

Disputes between trustees and beneficiaries over trust management, distributions, and accounting require experienced legal guidance to resolve.

Legal Solutions for Estate Disputes

Attorney Richard Silvas brings over 48 years of legal experience to every probate and estate matter. Here is how we can help.

1

Reviewing Wills & Trusts

We carefully analyze estate documents to identify issues, clarify provisions, and determine each party's rights and obligations under the law.

2

Representing Beneficiaries & Heirs

Whether you are named in a will or are an heir under intestate law, we advocate for your rightful share of the estate.

3

Defending Will Validity

If someone challenges a will you believe is valid, we build a strong defense to uphold the deceased's final wishes and protect the estate.

4

Negotiating with Family Members

Not every dispute needs to go to court. We work to negotiate fair settlements that preserve family relationships when possible.

5

Pursuing Litigation

When negotiation fails, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight aggressively for the outcome you deserve.

6

Probate Administration

We guide executors and administrators through every step of the probate process, from filing the initial petition to final distribution.

What to Expect at Your Free Case Review

When you meet with Attorney Richard Silvas for your free case review, you will get a clear understanding of where you stand and what comes next. No pressure, no jargon, just honest legal guidance.

  • We guide you through the complex legal processes involved in probate and estate matters
  • We clarify your rights and obligations as a beneficiary, heir, or executor
  • We address contracts, title transfers, and other documents that affect the estate
  • We help prevent unnecessary frustration by explaining what to expect at each stage
  • We walk you through the probate process step by step so there are no surprises
  • We clear up common misunderstandings about Texas probate law and inheritance rights
Schedule Free Review

Why Families Trust Attorney Silvas

  • 48+ years of legal experience in Texas courts
  • Columbia University and University of Houston Law Center education
  • Personal attention on every case from start to finish
  • Bilingual services available (English and Spanish)
  • Offices in San Antonio and Laredo

Probate & Estate FAQ

Get answers to common questions about probate, estate disputes, and the legal process in Texas.

Probate is the legal process of validating a deceased person's will, paying their debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. In Texas, a straightforward probate case can take as little as 6 months, but contested cases or complex estates may take a year or longer. Attorney Richard Silvas can guide you through the process and help resolve issues efficiently.
Yes. In Texas, you can contest a will if you believe it was executed under undue influence, fraud, or if the person lacked the mental capacity to make the will. You may also challenge a will if proper legal formalities were not followed. There are strict deadlines for filing a will contest, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
When someone dies without a will (intestate) in Texas, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The distribution depends on whether the deceased was married, had children, or had other surviving relatives. An attorney can help determine who is entitled to inherit and guide the family through the intestate probate process.
An attorney can help resolve disputes over will or trust interpretation, disagreements about asset distribution, challenges to will or trust validity, claims of undue influence or fraud, disputes over estate or trust management, and conflicts between beneficiaries and executors or trustees. Attorney Silvas handles all of these matters and more.
Probate attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the estate and whether the case is contested. Richard H. Silvas offers a free initial case review to evaluate your situation and discuss fee arrangements upfront. Contact our office at (210) 236-5165 for a no-obligation consultation.

Dealing with a Probate or Estate Issue?

Get a free, no-obligation case review with Attorney Richard Silvas. Over 48 years of experience helping Texas families.

Request Free Case Review (210) 236-5165
☎ Call (210) 236-5165